Russell Martin looks for MK Dons to progress after opening games
MK Dons manager Russell Martin has said he is looking for his team to build on his opening games in charge in his biggest test in the form of a trip to Bolton Wanderers.
The Dons boss spoke after his side were beaten 2-1 by their Buckinghamshire rivals in the final game of the Leasing.com Trophy group stage.
Speaking about the weekend’s trip to Bolton, Martin said the players had given him a selection headache for the weekend’s game. He said the game had always been earmarked as the big early test of his reign, and that the players had given him a selection headache ahead of that contest.
He said, “It would have been nice to win one, but the focus for us has always been Saturday. I could’ve played the same team tonight as I thought they did well but it was about giving others the opportunity to stake their claim. I’ve now got a decision to make on Saturday.
“But I’m clear on what we’re going to do. The focus is on us and what we can do to hurt other teams. We’ll go there on Saturday with the same mentality.”
The Dons had already confirmed their place in Round 2 of the Leasing.com Trophy in spite of defeat. Martin said he was impressed by some elements of the Dons’ display against Wycombe, including in press and intensity, but was disappointed not to get the win.
He said, “Tonight was about trying something else and having a look at all these players. I’ve said all along they’ve had a chance to put themselves in the team for Saturday, which is the most important game.
“I know people say it didn’t mean anything tonight, but we scored first for the first time in a long time. We have to try and hang onto it and see it out, and we did for a long time, with good chances, good individual performances, and players who haven’t played for a while getting 90 minutes. There’s loads of positives, but I’m disappointed with our defending.
“On another night, we score a couple and some decisions go our way. But we’re gearing up for Saturday. The lads have all had a chance and now its up to me to pick the best team to win the next game.”
Talking in more detail about the game itself, Martin felt the team’s second half display lacked elements to build on a first half that included the team’s goal.
He said, “We just weren’t brave enough in play in the second half. First half, I thought we played well in playing around the press and getting the ball back quickly. I can’t fault our intensity or aggression, but we didn’t move the ball enough, dropped deep and I just want to encourage them to be more aggressive. Its not going to be overnight.
“We saw some really good stuff on Saturday and some good stuff tonight, but now its up to get ready for Saturday.”
Towards the end of the game, Kieran Agard was sent off for the second time in two matches, and Martin said the team would look to appeal.
He said, “We’ve watched it back with the assessor and he’s done nothing wrong. He was pushed in the face, and the assessor said if anything, we should’ve got a penalty of it. But it is what it is. I said I’d never come here to moan about the referee and we haven’t lost this because of the referee, but decisions cost us a player and a penalty, and its frustrating.
“We’ll appeal the red and if we don’t win it, I will be surprised. We don’t need to be getting another sending off with our striker injuries. Hopefully we’ll get it sorted.”